Drug abuse is the use of some substances which affect the functions of body negatively. Despite their damage to the body, their usage cannot be dropped. When one becomes addicted, the symptoms of deprivation start gradually increase in parallel with the frequency of usage and dosage.[1] Drugs are chemical substances which make people on numbed, inert, and out of control. They also cause addiction and bring about psychological, behavioral, and physical changes in the body of a person using it.
Drug use is high fashion among young people nowadays despite its negative effects on the daily life and social relations. It is also a vicious cycle for the junkies since the body needs more drug each passing day and the usual dosage does not suffice. Therefore, many junkies overdose on drugs.
When the addict is not able to find drugs or need to decrease the frequency or the amount, he/she starts to feel deprivation. Deprivation includes physical and psychological problems affecting his/her life in an unfavorable way.
The most common symptoms of deprivation are as follows:
- Tendency to Suicide
- Offensiveness
- Aggression
- Tantrum
- Uneasiness
Despite all these troubles, if the addict still continues using drugs and does not accept the proper treatment, it is most likely that he/she faces serious brain and heart problems. Even he/she may lose his/her life.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), drug addiction is described as follows:
- Intense desire and need to get and use drugs
- Tendency to increase of current dose
- Intense sensitivity against the psychological and physical effects of drug
- Attributing great importance to drug
- Constant use of drugs preventing the addict from carrying out his/her obligations at school, home, or work
- Being constantly affected by drugs while driving or in dangerous situations.
- The repeated us of drugs cause problems in social life.[2]
Causes of Drug Addiction
There is no only one reason for one to start using drugs. Family problems, bad friend relationships, incorrect perception regarding drug use, psychological problems, being a child of an addicted parent, the absence of care and attention of the family upon the children are all among the factors leading people to start using drugs.
| Biological Factors |
Genetic Features Family History of Alcohol or Drug Abuse Family History of Mood Disorder and Impulse Control Behavioral Disorder or Antisocial Personality Disorder |
| Psychological and Behavioral Factors |
Neurocognitive Changes Mood Changes Anxiety Disorders Behavioral Disorders Impulsivity Learning Disabilities Lowness in Social Skills Positive Attitudes and Behaviors Toward Substance Abuse Hostility and Aggression Low Self-Esteem Rebelliousness Negative Life Events Irritability Physical Trauma |
| Family Relationships Factors |
Alcohol, Substance Abuse and Gamble Problem in Family Positive Attitude of Family Toward Alcohol, Substance Abuse and Gamble Low Family Support Low Parenthood Ability Insufficient Parent While Monitoring Their Children |
| School Factors |
Academic Success Negative, Undisciplined and Insecure School Environment Low Expectation of Teachers Weak School Policy Against Substance Abuse Low Sense of School Responsibility Withdrawn or Agressive Behavior in Classroom |
| Friend Factors |
Drug Addicted Friends Confirmative Attitudes and Behaviors Against Alcohol, Substance Abuse and Gamble Having Friends Who Have Behavioral Disorder Rejection by Friends Low Social Abilities |
| Society Factors |
Restricted Economical and Social Opportunity Insufficient Education Resources High Crime Rate High Migration Rate Acceptance of Alcohol, Substance Abuse, and Gamble |
Resource: https://npistanbul.com/cocuk-ve-genclerde-madde-bagimliligi-ve-tedavisi
Preventive Factors
Unfortunately, it is very easy to reach such substances everywhere in the world. Therefore, there are many addicted people in our society. Although the destructive effects of such substances are already known in societies, the struggle against it is not enough.
It seems that this insufficiency arises from the lack of information about the preventive actions. Therefore, this part of this study will evaluate how substance abuse should be prevented.
Result
As it is mentioned above, substance abuse is one of the most common and important problems of the modern era and it has become a high fashion among young people. The difficulties of puberty, the intensive tempo of daily life, indifferent family, bad social environment, bad-tempered friends and easy supply of drugs are all considered the main reasons for being a victim of substance.
People who are not aware of or just do not care about the danger find themselves in the trap of drugs at the end of the day because of the sense of curiosity, and the feeling of being a center of attention. In the end, unfortunately, this process ends with death.
Public spots, informative studies, educational programs for parents and young people about the substance abuse are considered among the preventive actions. Thanks to these preventive works, people acquiring enough information about the fatal effects of drugs try to protect themselves from this deadly problem. This helps both the individuals and the societies become more healthy both psychologically and physically.
In addition to all these, psychotherapy, medical treatment, social support, arts, sports, and other related activities can also be used as alternative treatment methods. As a matter of fact, the best method for fighting against drug abuse is never to start using drug.
